5 Simple Ways I Find Peace and Recharge as a Full-Time Mom

Inflammatory labels like “mom rage” aren’t helpful. Instead, we need to normalize the wide range of emotions that come with new parenthood and provide moms with the tools and support they need to navigate them.

Full disclosure: I’m writing this feeling quite “ragey.” I’m recovering from food poisoning, my middle child decided to run away (he made it as far as the garden hedge before sending me handwritten notes via his little brother), and my to-do list is endless.

My anger is valid, but does it really need the word "mom" attached to it? Can’t I just be a woman, a business owner, and a mother who’s angry? From what I can tell, “dad rage” isn’t a term that exists, yet I’m certain dads get angry, too.

Why Moms Are Angry (And Why It’s Normal)

The truth is, the enormous mental load of motherhood often feels incredibly overwhelming. From managing tantrums to the constant juggle of household responsibilities, it's easy to see why moms feel stressed. Combine this with the intense transition of postpartum — sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, identity shifts, and a general lack of support — and it creates the perfect storm for feelings of anger.

I’m sure many moms can relate to the feeling of being stretched thin, especially in the early stages of parenthood. It’s not surprising that anger in matrescence (the term for the period of transformation a woman goes through in early motherhood) is common but often not discussed enough. The changes a mother goes through after childbirth are deeply personal and challenging. It’s like adolescence, but with a baby. You’re figuring out who you are as a mother while balancing a completely new set of physical, emotional, and psychological demands.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and frustrated. It’s okay to admit when things feel tough and you need a moment to yourself.

Why We Shouldn’t Judge Our Emotions

If we consider the emotional changes that come with adolescence, it’s expected for teens to feel angry as they go through bodily changes, identity exploration, and emotional ups and downs. But when moms go through similar emotional shifts, there’s often a judgment attached.

Anger in new motherhood should be understood and normalized, not stigmatized. When you’re dealing with a constant mental load, the pressure to be “on” all the time, and the lack of support many moms experience, it’s no surprise that frustration and anger arise.

Here’s the truth: it’s not the anger itself that’s the problem — it’s how we handle it.

How to Process and Release Anger

Recognizing our anger is an essential part of emotional health. It's not about pretending everything is okay when it’s not. Anger is often the result of suppressed emotions — stress, tension, frustration, and even exhaustion. When we bottle up those feelings, they eventually overflow.

The key to managing anger is learning how to regulate our nervous system, which helps release the emotional tension and helps us feel grounded again. Instead of letting anger take over, there are healthy ways to process and cope with it.

Here are five strategies I've

discovered to handle my emotions as a full-time mom.

1. Afternoon Coffee and Cake – A Well-Deserved Break

As a full-time mom to my one-year-old son, I know how easy it is to feel drained and frustrated. That’s why I make it a point to take a break every afternoon to enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. It’s my way of hitting the reset button. This small ritual is the perfect moment of indulgence, allowing me to pause, slow down, and recharge my mental health.

Taking a few minutes for mom self-care in the middle of a busy day reminds me to appreciate the small moments and gives me a much-needed break from the endless to-do list. It helps me reset my emotions and prepare for the rest of the day.

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2. Listening to Music and Podcasts – A Quick Escape

Music has always been my go-to when I need to change my mood, and now that I’m a mom, it’s even more important. Whether I’m folding laundry or just sitting down for a breather, I love to listen to calming music or a podcast that inspires me. One of my favorites is Jay Shetty’s podcast, which has so many relatable and motivating messages that help me feel less alone in my parenting journey.

When I’m feeling mom guilt or struggling with tantrums, turning on music or listening to an uplifting podcast provides a mental reset. It’s a simple but effective way to calm down and refocus, especially during those tough, rage-filled moments.

3. Practicing Calligraphy with Motivational Quotes – A Creative Outlet

Calligraphy has become a form of therapy for me. Writing out my favorite motivational quotes helps me slow down and focus on something positive. There’s something so calming about crafting each letter, and it allows me to clear my mind and connect with my creativity.

Writing these quotes serves as a reminder to be kind to myself and keep pushing through challenging moments. It’s a small act that has a big impact on my emotional well-being, especially when dealing with the stress of mom life.

4. Crafting Little Gifts for Myself and Others – Feeding My Creative Soul

Creating things with my hands has always been an outlet for me, and being a mom hasn’t changed that. I love making little gifts, whether it’s leather accessories, bookmarks, or small DIY decorations. Crafting is not only a creative escape, but it’s also a way to bring joy to my friends and family.

When I need to step away from the demands of parenting, crafting allows me to relax, unwind, and focus on something that brings me joy. It’s my way of practicing self-care while also spreading happiness to others.

5. Joining Workshops with My Bestie – Fun, Learning, and Bonding

Spending quality time with my best friend is essential to maintaining my mental health. That’s why we love attending workshops together, where we can learn new skills and enjoy a bit of self-care outside of motherhood. Whether we’re learning pottery or painting, we always have a blast and leave feeling refreshed.

These workshops are an escape from the daily grind of mom life and provide us with the space to laugh, connect, and grow. If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to unwind, I invite you to join me at one of our upcoming workshops. Check out this link for more details!

Being a full-time mom is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also overwhelming at times. Emotions like anger and frustration are natural — it’s what we do with those emotions that matters. By finding healthy outlets like these five practices, we can navigate the emotional rollercoaster of motherhood while still taking care of ourselves. Remember, a well-rested and emotionally balanced mom is better for herself and her family. 🌸